Events & Entertainment, History, Poole | Posted on January 6th, 2025 | return to news
Men of Iron exhibition comes to Poole
Lighthouse Poole will be hosting the exhibition on behalf of Poole Museum which is currently closed for major works.
Poole Museum is currently closed for redevelopment but in the meantime, it is presenting the ‘Men of Iron’ exhibition at Lighthouse, Poole.
The collection honours the faces, stories and craftsmanship of Poole’s foundry workers, 40 years on from its closure.
‘Men of Iron’ began in 1985 as a student project led by Geoff Drury from Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design. Drury tasked his students with capturing the foundry’s operations, its robust machinery, and the dedication of the people who worked there.
The project took on a profound significance when the foundry, a longstanding ironworks located next to St James Church in Poole’s Old Town, announced it would close its doors in 1985. The resulting photographs became an endearing tribute to the men and women at the heart of Poole’s industrial heritage.
Poole Museum, which is owned and operated by BCP Council, is bringing this historical collection back to life at Lighthouse, Poole, in an exhibition that captures the heart and soul of the community.
The collection celebrates the spirit of Poole Foundry’s workers and their craft, while also sharing the experiences and memories of the photographers, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives that helped shape Poole.
At the heart of ‘Men of Iron’ are the original black-and-white photographs by the former students at the college, now known as Arts University Bournemouth.
These images offer an unfiltered view of the foundry’s workers, machinery, and environment, with the portraits not only depicting faces, but the essence of a working community.
Alongside the photographs, Poole Museum is displaying artefacts from the foundry, including protective gear, castings, and moulds used daily by the workers. The museum’s volunteers have also interviewed some of the original photographers for a selection of oral histories included as part of the exhibition.
Joe Raine, documentation assistant from Poole Museum said: “Our ‘Men of Iron’ exhibition brings forward the faces, tools, and art of Poole Foundry’s workers at a time when their craft and camaraderie face the risk of fading from memory.
“We’re proud to share this history and bring these moving stories to life, displaying images and artifacts on show at Lighthouse that highlight Poole’s rich industrial and artistic legacy within the community.”
Geoff Drury said: “This project began as a learning opportunity for the students, teaching them to work with challenging lighting and experimental photographic techniques. However, the announcement of the foundry’s closure gave it an unexpected poignancy, with the experience building mutual respect between the students and the workers, who shared their stories and resilience in the face of change.
“The resulting photographs captured not just the workers and their craft but also the stoic optimism that defined Poole Foundry. It’s wonderful that forty years on, these images are being revisited and celebrated by Poole Museum.
“This exhibition is more than a collection of photographs; it’s a tribute to the people, their skills, and the tight-knit community spirit that shaped Poole’s industrial heritage. I’m proud to see these stories brought to life for new audiences and to honour a significant chapter of our shared history.”
Lighthouse Creative Engagement Manager Martha Earley said: “Lighthouse is very happy to support Poole Museum while it has been closed for refurbishment. We are excited to keep working together when it reopens.”
The ‘Men of Iron’ exhibition will be free to enter. It opens to the public on 14 January at Lighthouse, Poole, and will run until 22 February.
Poole Museum will be holding a series of bookable events including dementia friendly tours, curator talk and tours, and a creative writing workshop. For more information on ‘Men of Iron’ and to book a ticket to one of the events, please visit poolemuseum.org.uk/men-of-iron.
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